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Photoautotrophy loe1
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is photoautotrophy? | The process by which organisms (mainly plants) convert light energy into chemical energy, producing organic compounds for metabolism. |
| Why is photoautotrophy significant? | It is fundamental to ecosystems, contributing to energy flow and nutrient cycling. |
| What are the two main functions of photosynthesis? | Energy Production – Converts light energy into ATP & NADPH. Food Production – Forms organic molecules needed for life. |
| What are the key elements required for photosynthesis? | Carbon (C) Nitrogen (N) Sulfur (S) |
| What role does Anabaena play in photosynthesis? | It is involved in nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into bioavailable forms. |
| What are the roles of Photosystem II and Photosystem I? | Photosystem II – Splits water (H₂O) to release oxygen (O₂) and generate electrons. Photosystem I – Produces NADPH, used in carbon fixation. |
| What does ATP Synthase do? | It produces ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), fueling cellular processes. |
| What is Rubisco, and why is it important? | Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase is the key enzyme in CO₂ fixation, making it the most abundant protein on Earth and essential for sustaining life. |
| Nutrient Reduction Processes | Carbon (CO₂) Fixed into carbohydrates Glucose, sugars Nitrogen (NO₃⁻) Reduced to amines Amino acids Sulfur (SO₄²⁻) Reduced to sulfide (S²⁻) Sulfur-containing amino acids |
| How does photosynthesis affect the environment? | Fixes ~100 Gt of carbon annually. Releases ~260 Gt of oxygen into the atmosphere yearly. |